Modular sterilization container

ABSTRACT

A container for sterilization of medical devices. A container of modular construction is described comprising separable sides, separable corner pieces, and a separable bottom panel. Two opposing sides are of a modular length, and thus by substituting sides of a different length the interior volume of the container may be changed. The container also includes a removeable lid with latching mechanisms on opposing ends. The lid and latching mechanisms are generally flush with the exterior surface of the container.

This application is a divisional application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/020,889, filed Feb. 9, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,850, incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to containers useful for sterilization of medical devices. However, certain applications of the present invention may be outside of this field.

The use of a container for the sterilization and storage of medical devices is well known. The container is provided with a particular selection of devices for a particular medical procedure. The devices are placed within a container and the container is then subjected to the heat and sterilant (water and/or chemicals) necessary to sterilize the devices. Subsequent to sterilization, the container may be wrapped within a sterile covering and stored until required.

Various designs have been offered for sterilization containers. Some of these designs can be found in the following U.S. patents:

Patent No. Inventor Issue Date 4,798,292 Hauze Jan. 17, 1989 4,643,303 Arp et al. Feb. 17, 1987 5,284,632 Kudla et al. Feb. 8, 1994 5,215,726 Kudla et al. Jun. 1, 1993 5,451,379 Bowlen, Jr. Sep. 19, 1995 5,524,755 Deeds Jun. 11, 1996 5,084,251 Thomas Jan. 28, 1992 5,433,929 Riihimaki et al. Jul. 18, 1995 5,346,677 Risk Sep. 13, 1994 5,518,115 Latulippe May 21, 1996 5,540,901 Riley Jul. 30, 1996 5,424,048 Riley Jun. 13, 1995

These designs generally depict containers comprising a lower tray and an upper tray or lid. The lower and upper trays are generally of a fixed, unitary construction. The lower tray and the upper tray or lid are generally of a particular size and shape which cannot be altered without damaging or destroying the trays. Some of these designs have an internal volume satisfactory for the quantity of devices necessary for a particular medical procedure, but insufficient volume for a larger number of devices required by a different medical procedure. Likewise, the containers resulting from some of these designs may be too large for a particular medical procedure, and thus be inefficient in terms of space and cost.

There is a continuing need for improvements in the field of sterilization containers and the present invention provides a novel and unobvious apparatus for an improved sterilization container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention provides a container for sterilizaton of medical devices. The container includes a plurality of separable sides and a plurality of separable corner pieces. Each side is coupled to at least one of the corner pieces. The container also includes a separable bottom coupled to at least one of the sides or corner pieces.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved container for sterilization of medical devices.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description of the preferred embodiment, the drawings, and the claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top, front, and right side exploded perspective view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a top, front, and right side exploded perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1A with a bottom piece removed.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a handle assembly comprising a portion of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial front elevational view in full section of the apparatus of FIG. 2 as taken along line 5—5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 4 with a portion of the apparatus pushed in.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a handle molding comprising a portion of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a button comprising a portion of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a latchplate comprising a portion of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a corner piece comprising a portion of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top, front, and right side exploded perspective view of a kit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

FIG. 1A is a top, front, and right side exploded perspective view of a sterilization container 20 useful for sterilization of medical instruments and devices according to one embodiment of the present invention. Container 20 includes a removeable lid 22, opposing separable sides 24 a and 24 b, opposing separable sides 26 a and 26 b, corner pieces 28 a, 28 b, 28 c, and 28 d, and bottom pieces 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c. Removeable lid 22 includes a plurality of passage holes 21 defined therein for passage of sterilant fluid into and out of the interior of container 20. Lid 22 is releaseably coupled to opposing separable sides 24 a and 24 b by a latching mechanism to be described later (see FIGS. 3-9). Separable side 24 a is coupled at one end to corner piece 28 a and at the other end to corner piece 28 b. Separable side 24 b is coupled at one end to corner piece 28 c and at the other end to corner piece 28 d. Separable side 26 a is coupled to corner pieces 28 a and 28 d, and separable side 26 b is coupled to corner pieces 28 b and 28 c. Separable sides 26 a and 26 b are of a predetermined, modular length.

A bottom panel 30 comprising bottom pieces 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c is in contact with and preferably supported by substantially flat ledges that extend in a generally perpendicular manner from the vertical walls of separable sides 24 a, 24 b, 26 a, and 26 b. Separable sides 24 a and 24 b include ledges 31 a and 31 b, respectively, for supporting bottom pieces 30 c and 30 a, respectively. Separable sides 26 a and 26 b include ledges 32 a and 32 b, respectively, for supporting bottom pieces 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c. Additional support of bottom panel 30 is preferably provided by substantially flat ledges that extend from the corner pieces. Ledges 33 a and 33 b of corner pieces 28 a and 28 b, respectively, support bottom piece 30 c. Ledges 33 c and 33 d of corner pieces 28 c and 28 d, respectively, support bottom piece 30 a. In some embodiments of the present invention bottom panel 30 defines a plurality of attachment holes (not shown) to which fixtures may be attached which are useful for clamping medical devices thereto.

Ledges 31 a, 31 b, 32 a, and 32 b incorporate a combination of pins 34 and fastener holes 36 that align with locating holes 38 and fastener holes 36, respectively, on bottom panel 30. Fasteners (not shown) fasten bottom piece 30 a to ledges 32 a, 32 b, and 31 b. Bottom piece 30 c is similarly fastened to ledges 32 a, 32 b, and 31 a. Bottom piece 30 b is fastened to ledges 32 a and 32 b. Pins 34 protrude through locating holes 38 and generally align bottom panel 30 relative to sides 24 a, 24 b, 26 a, and 26 b. Bottom panel 30 preferably includes a short cylinder protruding above the upper surface of bottom panel 30 and around hole 38 so as to provide additional bearing area for pin 34. However, the present invention also contemplates a locating hole 38 defined only within bottom panel 30. Also, although it is preferable to include pins 34 and fastener holes 36 within ledges 31 a, 31 b, 32 a, and 32 b, the present invention also contemplates pins 34 or fastener holes 36 as part of ledges 33 a, 33 b, 33 c, and 33 d of corner pieces 28 a, 28 b, 28 c, and 28 d, respectively. Bottom pieces 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c are repeatedly separable from sides 24 a, 24 b, 26 a, and 26 b, and/or from corners 28 a, 28 b, 28 c, and 28 d, by removal of the fasteners through holes 36.

FIG. 1A shows one embodiment of the present invention in which three bottom pieces 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c provide a bottom panel 30 of a predetermined length useful with the predetermined lengths of opposing sides 26 a and 26 b. However, the present invention contemplates modularity of the length of container 20, and thus modularity of the internal volume of container 20. A container 20′ is shown in FIG. 1B. Container 20′ incorporates a lid 22′ of a shorter length than lid 22. Container 20′ also includes opposing sides 26 a and 26 b′ of a shorter length than opposing sides 26 a and 26 b. Bottom panel 30′ comprises bottom pieces 30 a and 30 c, with bottom piece 30 b being omitted. Thus, container 20 with a first, larger internal volume may be converted into a container 20′ with a second, smaller internal volume by substitution of separable side 26 a′ for 26 a, substitution of separable side 26 b′ for separable side 26 b, omission of bottom piece 30 b, and substitution of lid 22′. Container 20 may also be converted into a container (not shown) with an internal volume larger than the internal volume of container 20. One improvement offered by the present invention is that a healthcare provider such as a hospital can reduce its equipment cost by rebuilding sterilization containers made in accordance with the present invention into different sizes, both larger and smaller than apparatus 20, and thus avoid the cost of purchasing new containers.

Although apparatus 20 and 20′ have been described having multi-piece bottom panels 30 and 30′, respectively, the present invention also contemplates a single piece bottom panel 30″ and a single piece bottom panel 30′″ of different lengths. (See FIG. 11) Further, although apparatus 20 and 20′ have been described incorporating a plurality of corner pieces separable from the sides of the container, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which corner pieces are integral with sides otherwise similar to sides 24 a and 24 b. In these embodiments the corner pieces are not separable from the sides, but modularity of the present invention is maintained by the separability of opposing sides 26 a and 26 b.

Corner pieces 28 a-d include a first alignment feature 42 that is preferably spaced above the upper surfaces of adjacent separable sides. Lid 22 includes a second alignment feature 44 which is generally complementary in shape to first alignment feature 42. Coupling of lid 22 to sides 24 a and 24 b results in coupling of first alignment feature 42 with second alignment feature 44. Separable sides 24 a and 24 b incorporate upper surfaces 39 a and 39 b, respectively, and separable sides 26 a and 26 b incorporate upper surfaces 40 a and 40 b, respectively. Although one embodiment of the present invention includes a first alignment feature 42 spaced above the upper surfaces of the separable sides, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which first alignment feature 42 is recessed below upper surfaces 39 a and 39 b, and 40 a and 40 b, and second alignment feature 44 includes a protrusion to fit within the recess. Also, although upper surfaces 39 a, 39 b, 40 a, and 40 b are generally at the same elevation above bottom panel 30, the present invention also contemplates upper surfaces 39 a, 39 b, 40 a, and 40 b that are at different elevations.

Lid 22 includes a pair of handles 46 on opposing ends of lid 22 as best seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. Handle 46 includes within it a pocket 48 for carrying container 20. Pocket 48 has a shape suitable for insertion of human fingers. Lid 22 also includes a button 50 coupled to lid 22 and moveable relative to lid 22. Handle 46 is attached to lid 22 by a pair of ears 54 best seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. A pair of flush mounted fasteners 56 attach handle 46 to lid 22 through ears 54.

Handle 46 and button 50 are substantially flush with the exterior surface of container 20. The exterior surface of container 20 is also generally smooth. By being generally smooth and not having abrupt protrusions beyond its exterior surfaces, container 20 is especially suitable for being wrapped in a protective covering after sterilization with little danger of the protective covering being ripped, abraded, broken, or damaged by the exterior surface of container 20. FIGS. 2 and 3 also show a plurality of holes 21 for passage of sterilant defined within sides 24 and 26. In some embodiments of the present invention a plurality of holes 21 for passage of sterilant are defined within bottom panel 30.

Sides 24 a and 24 b each include a pair of stationary tabs 52 which are generally flush with the exterior surface of sides 24 a and 24 b, and which project inwardly toward the interior of container 20, as best seen in FIG. 1. Stationary tabs 52, along with other elements of the latching mechanism of container 20, provides a means for releaseably coupling lid 22 to sides 24 a and 24 b. The latching mechanism of apparatus 20 is best understood by referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6. Extending generally downward from the underside of handle 46 are a pair of supports 58. A latchplate 60 is pivotally connected to supports 58 by a pair of pivoting fasteners 62 operating through pivot hole 63 a of support 58 and hole 63 b of latchplate 60 (see FIGS. 7 and 9). Button 50 is coupled to latchplate 60 by a pair of fasteners 64, and is moveable with latchplate 60. A spring 66 located within a spring retainer 68 presses against back surface 70 of button 50 and thus urges button 50 and latchplate 60 to pivot in a direction whereby upper exterior surface 71 of button 50 is urged outward.

Latchplate 60 incorporates a pair of tabs 72 moveable with latchplate 60 and button 50. These moveable tabs 72 extend upward and outward at an angle as best seen in FIG. 5. Moveable tab 72 has an edge 74 which is proximate to the underside of stationary tab 52 when lid 22 is releaseably coupled to sides 24 a and 24 b. Thus, when container 20 is picked up by handle 46, edge 74 of moveable tab 72 engages the underside of tab 52 and does not permit lid 22 to uncouple from sides 24 a and 24 b. To release lid 22 from its coupling with sides 24 a and 24 b, button 50 is pushed in along upper surface 71 of button 50 (see FIG. 6). Button 50, latchplate 60, and moveable tabs 72 will thus rotate into the interior of container 20. As moveable tabs 72 pivot, edge 74 moves past edge 76 of stationary tab 52. Once edge 74 has moved clear of edge 76, lid 22 may be lifted vertically and uncoupled from sides 24 a and 24 b. As upper surface 71 of button 50 is pushed inward toward the interior of container 20, semi-circular guide 75 of handle assembly 57 provides a guide for guided surface 77 of button 50 (see FIG. 8).

Although button 50 and moveable tabs 72 have been shown and described as moving in a pivotal manner, the present invention also contemplates a button and moveable tabs that move linearly within container 20 when pushed. This linear movement button and linear movement tabs would be guided along support rails coupled to supports extending from the handle. The means for releaseably coupling lid 22 to container 20 includes a stationary tab 52, a moveable tab 72, and a button 50 for moving moveable tab 72, the movement being rotational, linear, or a combination of the two.

A handle molding 73 comprising a portion of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. Handle molding 73 shows a preferable combination of handle 46, ears 54, supports 58, spring retainer 68, and semi-circular guide 75, all molded within a single part. However, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which the aforementioned pieces may be separately fabricated and attached together as an assembly.

Latchplate 60 is shown apart from button 50 in FIG. 9. In a preferred embodiment, plate 60 is fabricated from a metal such as a corrosion resistant stainless steel. However, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which moveable tabs 74 are molded integrally onto button 50.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a corner piece 28 comprising a portion of the present invention, and shown previously as corner pieces 28 a, 28 b, 28 c, and 28 d. Corner piece 28 has a generally smooth, rounded exterior surface and encompasses about 90 degrees of circular arc. Preferably projecting from either end 79 a and 79 b of corner piece 28 is an attachment ear 81 a and 81 b, respectively. A side 24 a, 24 b, 26 a, or 26 b may be attached to a corner piece 28 by placing the edge of the side in contact with surface 79 a, and the interior surface of the side in contact with attachment 81 a. A fastener fastens a side 26 a, 26 b, 24 a, or 24 b to corner piece 28 through fastener hole 78 a. By removing the fastener from fastener hole 78 a, corner pieces 28 are separable from container 20. For simplicity of manufacturing and assembly and reduction in cost, corner pieces 28 a, 28 b, 28 c, and 28 d, are preferably identical. The present invention also contemplates a corner piece in which the attachment ears are integrated into the separable sides, and the corner piece includes a pocket shaped to slidable accept the attachment ear.

Corner 28 includes a smooth, recessed first locating feature 80 on the top surface of corner 28. This first locating feature 80 is capable of being coupled to a second raised locating feature 82 on the bottom of corner piece 28 (refer to FIG. 3). Locating features 80 and 82 are useful for stacking of one container 20 on top of another container 20. Raised locating feature 82 can be coupled within recessed locating feature 80 and thus stabilize the position of the top container 20 relative to the position of the bottom container 20. It is preferable that locating features 80 and 82 be complementary in shape, such that the shape of feature 82 fits within the recessed shape of feature 80. It is also preferable that locating features 80 and 82 be incorporated on each corner piece 28. However, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which locating features 80 and 82 are present on only two of the corner pieces. Further, the present invention also contemplates a locating feature 82 that couples to locating feature 80, but is not necessarily complementary in shape thereto.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a kit 120 for sterilization of medical devices. The kit includes a first pair of opposing sides 26 a and 26 b of a first predetermined length. Each side 26 a and 26 b is separable from the container. Kit 120 also includes a second pair of opposing sides 26 a′ and 26 b′. As shown in FIG. 1, sides 26 a′ and 26 b′ are of a different length than sides 26 a and 26 b. Each side 26 a′ and 26 b′ are separable from the container. Kit 120 also includes a third pair of opposing sides 31 a and 31 b.

Kit 120 further includes a first bottom panel 30″ of a predetermined length and which is separable from the container. Kit 120 also includes a second bottom panel 30′″ of a predetermined length different than the predetermined length of bottom panel 30″. Second bottom panel 30′″ is separable from the container.

Two containers can be constructed from the components of kit 120. A first container includes sides 26 a, 26 b, bottom panel 30″ and sides 31 a and 31 b. This first container defines a first internal volume. A second container includes sides 26 a′, 26 b′, bottom panel 30′″ and sides 31 a and 31 b. This second container defines a second internal volume. The first internal volume is different than the second internal volume.

In some embodiments of the present invention, bottom panel 30″ is not integral and comprises at least two bottom pieces such as two of the pieces 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Yet other embodiments of the present invention include a nonintegral bottom piece 30′″ comprised of at least two bottom pieces, such as those bottom pieces shown in FIG. 1A or 1B.

In yet other embodiments of the present invention, kit 120 includes a lid 22 or lid 22′ which releasably couples to at least one of the sides.

In another embodiment of kit 120, one of the sides 31 a or 31 b includes a stationary tab 52. There is also a removable lid 22 or 22′ which includes a button 50 which can be coupled to the lid and is movable relative to the lid. Button 50 includes a movable tab 72 which is connected to button 50. First stationary tab 52 and second movable tab 72 are movable to remove the lid from the side.

Yet another embodiment of kit 120, the container has a generally smooth exterior surface. This embodiment further includes a removable lid such as lid 22 or 22′ which can be coupled to at least one of sides 31 a or 31 b. The lid includes a handle 46 that is substantially flush with the exterior surface of the container.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. 

1. An apparatus which comprises: a container for sterilization of medical devices, said container including at least one separable corner piece, said at least one said corner piece having a top and a bottom and incorporating a first locating feature on the top and a second locating feature on the bottom, the second locating feature capable of being coupled to the first locating feature, wherein the coupling of the first locating feature on a first container with the second locating feature on a second container stabilizes the stacking of the second container on top of the first container, and wherein said container has an exterior surface, and which further comprises a lid, said lid including a handle, said handle being substantially flush with the exterior surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first locating feature has a first shape, the second locating feature has a second shape, and the first shape is complementary to the second shape.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said container includes a plurality of sides and a removable lid and means for releaseably coupling said lid to one of said sides.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 which further comprises four separable corner pieces, each of said corner pieces having a top and a bottom and incorporating a first locating feature on the top and a second locating feature on the bottom, the second locating feature capable of being coupled to the first locating feature, wherein the coupling of the first locating feature on a first container with the second locating feature on a second container stabilizes the stacking of the second container on top of the first container.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 which further comprises a plurality of separable sides, each said side being coupled to at least one of said separable corners.
 6. A kit for containers for sterilization of medical devices which comprises: a first pair of opposing sides each of a first predetermined length, each said side of said first pair being separable from a container; a second pair of opposing sides each of a second predetermined length, the second predetermined length being different than the first predetermined length, each said side of said second pair being separable from a container; a third pair of opposing sides; a first bottom panel of a predetermined length, said first bottom panel being separable from a container; and a second bottom panel of a predetermined length different than the predetermined length of said first bottom panel, said second bottom panel being separable from a container; wherein the container has a generally smooth exterior surface, and which further comprises a removable lid, said lid being coupled to at least one of said third pair of sides, said lid including a handle substantially flush with the exterior surface.
 7. A kit for containers for sterilization of medical devices which comprises: a first pair of opposing sides each of a first predetermined length, each said side of said first pair being separable from a container; a second pair of opposing sides each of a second predetermined length, the second predetermined length being different than the first predetermined length, each said side of said second pair being separable from a container; a third pair of opposing sides; a first bottom panel of a predetermined length, said first bottom panel being separable from a container; and a second bottom panel of a predetermined length different than the predetermined length of said first bottom panel, said second bottom panel being separable from a container; wherein one of said third pair of sides includes a first stationary tab, and which further comprises a removable lid, said lid including a button coupled to said lid and moveable relative to said lid, said button including a second moveable tab connected to said button, said first stationary tab and said second moveable tab being engageable to couple said removable lid to said one side, and said second moveable tab being moveable to uncouple said removable lid from said one side.
 8. The kit of claim 7 wherein said first bottom panel includes at least two bottom pieces.
 9. The kit of claim 7 wherein said second bottom panel includes at least two bottom pieces.
 10. The kit of claim 7 wherein said first bottom panel is unitary and said second bottom panel is unitary.
 11. A kit for containers for sterilization of medical devices which comprises: a first pair of opposing sides each of a first predetermined length, each said side of said first pair being separable from a container: a second pair of opposing sides each of a second predetermined length, the second predetermined length being different than the first predetermined length, each said side of said second pair being separable from a container; a third pair of opposing sides, each said side of said third pair being separable from a container; a first unitary lid of a third predetermined length; and a second unitary lid of a fourth predetermined length different than the third predetermined length of said first lid; wherein a first container comprises said first pair and said third pair, a second container comprises said second pair and said third pair, said first unitary lid being releaseably coupleable to said first container, and said second unitary lid being releaseably coupleable to said second container, wherein the first container includes a corner having a first alignment feature, said first unitary lid includes a second alignment feature, and the first alignment feature and the second alignment feature are in contact when said first unitary lid is coupled to the first container, wherein said first alignment feature is spaced above the adjacent upper surface of one of said first pair of opposing sides or one of said third pair of opposing sides.
 12. The kit of claim 11 which further comprises a plurality of separable corner pieces, each of said corner pieces capable of being coupled to said first pair of opposing sides, said second pair of opposing sides, or said third pair of opposing sides.
 13. The kit of claim 11 wherein each of said first pair of opposing sides is unitary and each of said second pair of opposing sides panel is unitary.
 14. The kit of claim 11 wherein said first unitary lid includes a plurality of apertures for flow of sterilant and said second unitary lid includes a plurality of apertures for flow of sterilant.
 15. A kit for containers for sterilization of medical devices which comprises: a first pair of opposing sides each of a first predetermined length, each said side of said first pair being separable from a container; a second pair of opposing sides each of a second predetermined length, the second predetermined length being different than the first predetermined length, each said side of said second pair being separable from a container; a third pair of opposing sides; and at least one separable corner piece; wherein said first pair, said third pair, and said corner piece comprise a first container, said second pair, said third pair, and said corner piece comprise a second container, and which further comprises a lid, said lid being coupled to at least one of said first pair of sides or said third pair of sides of said first container, said lid including a handle, said handle defining a pocket for carrying the container, said handle being substantially flush with the exterior surface of said first container.
 16. The kit of claim 15 wherein said lid is a first lid of a third predetermined length and which further comprises a second lid of a fourth predetermined length, the fourth predetermined length being different than the third predetermined length, and wherein said first lid is releaseably coupleable to one of said third pair of opposing sides of said first container and said second lid is releaseably coupleable to one of said third pair of opposing sides of said second container.
 17. The kit of claim 15 wherein said lid is a first lid of a third predetermined length and which further comprises a second lid of a fourth predetermined length, the fourth predetermined length being different than the third predetermined length, said first lid defining a plurality of holes for passage of sterilant therethrough, and said second lid defining a plurality of holes for passage of sterilant therethrough.
 18. A kit for containers for sterilization of medical devices which comprises: a first pair of opposing sides each of a first predetermined length, each said side of said first pair being separable from a container; a second pair of opposing sides each of a second predetermined length, the second predetermined length being different than the first predetermined length, each said side of said second pair being separable from a container; a third pair of opposing sides; and at least one separable corner piece; wherein said first pair, said third pair, and said corner piece comprise a first container, said second pair, said third pair, and said corner piece comprise, a second container, which further comprises a removable lid, one of said first pair of sides or said second pair of sides or said third pair of sides includes a first stationary tab, said removable lid includes a second moveable tab, said first stationary tab and said second moveable tab being engageable to couple said removable lid to said one side, and said second moveable tab being moveable to uncouple said removable lid from said one side. 